The police union representing officers at University of California schools is criticizing UCLA administrators for their lack of response to violence that broke out at anti-Israel student protests on campus. The union called for an independent investigation into the response, stating that the administrators are solely responsible for the university’s response to campus protests and must take ownership of the fallout. Pro-Palestine demonstrators had set up an encampment on UCLA’s campus to demand divestment from companies complicit in the Israeli occupation, leading to clashes with pro-Israel counter-protesters that resulted in violence, arrests, and damage on campus.
Law enforcement initially stood by while the violence unfolded and did not respond to the scene until hours later. This prompted frustration among students and security guards at UCLA, who believed the university could have taken action earlier to prevent the situation from escalating. The violence and lack of response led California Governor Gavin Newsom to condemn the incidents and call for an investigation into the university’s handling of the situation. University of California President Michael Drake also ordered an independent external review of UCLA’s planning and actions during the protests, as well as the effectiveness of the mutual aid response.
The police union highlighted that the investigation will likely reveal failures to implement and adhere to the University of California’s own guidelines for responding to campus protests. The union claimed that campus police were told to “stand down and stand aside” during the protests, leaving Jewish students feeling unprotected and unable to access campus facilities. The union also criticized the lack of training for the campus task forces responsible for responding to student protests, stating that these task forces have not received training since 2020 and have not been funded for any training by the university or its campuses.
In response to the violence and protests, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block deemed the encampment as unlawful and a breach of policy, leading to unsafe conditions on campus and hindering the university’s ability to carry out its mission. Despite the university’s efforts to clear the encampment and restore order on campus, students and security personnel expressed disappointment in the lack of response from the administration. The police union emphasized the importance of following established guidelines and ensuring accountability in the upcoming probe into the university’s response to the anti-Israel protests and resulting violence.
The incident at UCLA has raised concerns about campus safety, free speech, and the handling of protests, particularly those related to contentious issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The clashes between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups have highlighted the need for universities to have effective protocols and training in place for responding to such situations. The ongoing investigation and external review will shed light on the failures and shortcomings in UCLA’s response to the protests, as well as the broader implications for campus security and the protection of students’ rights to express their opinions and beliefs peacefully.
